Baseline Estimates for Companion Animals Living in Households in Hawai'i: Associated Socio-Demographic, and Select Health Variables, as Measured by a Household Survey

Information on companion animals in Hawai'i is lacking. The Hawai'i Department of Health's Hawai'i Health Survey, collected data on adults and households by telephone interview. National estimates of companion animals range from 50-67%. However, the estimate from Hawai'i was lower with 39% of households in Hawai'i having a companion animal that spends part or all of the day indoors, including 29.5% of households with dogs and 14.7% with cats. There may be multiple reasons the count is lower for Hawai'i and possible factors are identified. There were significant differences in companion animals by ethnicity with Whites having the highest percentage of cats (25.8%) and Japanese the highest percentage of dogs (33.8%). Differences were observed between Asian ethnicities and Native Hawaiians. Specifically, individuals of Japanese ethnicity were more likely to have dogs, while Native Hawaiians were more likely to have cats compared to other Asian and Other Pacific Island ethnicities. Furthermore, companion animals were associated with counties other than Honolulu, lower poverty, ownership of a car or home, women, education, and middle-aged adults. Thus, many households in Hawai'i may not have the resources for a companion animal. Adults who rated their general health excellent had the highest association with having a cat(s). Asthma was higher for women living with dogs than women without cats or dogs. Asthma was lowest for men with cats compared to other groups for men and women. This study contributes to the understanding of complex interrelationships of humans, animals, and their environment which is gaining momentum under the umbrella of "One Health" by supporting increased collaboration and new data sources.